Grounding travel tips
Answering FAQ as I enter a new decade
I’m turning 30 on September 9th. WHAT. To kick off this new decade, I’m currently packing for a long flight tomorrow to celebrate my birthday and be with people I am closest to before heading to France and Portugal.
Recently, I’ve felt a bit blocked in my writing. Contract work has been taking up my energy, and I’ve needed to stay present in my personal life. But, sometimes the trick is just to start writing, even if it’s not my deepest or most educational piece. I also have been waiting for the go-ahead to join my expedition in Angola, and the anticipation is building. My team leader has been on the river a month longer than expected, living a real wild adventure. I know when I finally get the call to book my flight—hopefully in September or October—it’s going to spark a whole new wave of inspiration, from photography to writing and work ideas. After Angola, I’ll head to New Zealand later this year for some massive documentary work!
So, many of you often ask me for travel tips, so I thought it would be helpful to share some of my most-asked travel advice in a FAQ format. These aren’t the most detailed or exhaustive tips (so maybe the word "superficial" works?), but they’re my personal go-tos that come to mind right now that help me stay grounded while traveling.
Earthing
After a long flight, I always take off my shoes and put my feet on the ground—whether it’s sand, dirt, grass, or even water. This practice, known as earthing, helps connect you to the Earth’s negative ions and can curb jet lag by grounding your body. There’s scientific evidence that earthing helps minimize the effects of electromagnetic pollution and even removes toxins. It’s one of my favorite tricks, and you can read more about it in my master’s paper-turned-article.
Find your ecosystem
I’ve always been deeply connected to ecosystems, and it’s something I pay attention to when I travel. For example, I’ll research the environment I’m heading into and adjust my habits accordingly. In the desert, I double my hydration. In a tropical rainforest, I bring natural supplements to combat parasites. And in cities, I make sure to meditate and walk a lot to stay grounded.
My friend Kama even wrote a blog based on what I taught her about ecosystems. Like plants and animals, humans also have ecosystems where they thrive best, and it’s not necessarily linked to where we were born or live now. It’s about finding that “happy place” where you feel most at ease. You can check out Kama’s article here.
Meditation
Meditation has become essential for me during my travels. I download meditations for flights and use my favorite apps, TBM and Mode, once I land. TBM is perfect for Direct Imaginings and manifestation practices, while Mode offers EFT tapping and elevation meditations that help me stay grounded and energized before exploring. Both platforms have completely transformed how I approach my mental and physical well-being on the go.
Hydration for digestion
Hydration is one of my biggest travel hacks, and it’s key to keeping everything moving in my body. Every morning, I start with at least a liter of lemon water, sometimes adding aloe vera and ginger if available. I make it a priority to find coconut water or spring water wherever I am, aiming to drink around a gallon of water daily. This practice has helped heal my gut and reduce inflammation, and I recommend it to anyone who feels sluggish or blocked while traveling. Focusing on hydration sets the tone for a healthy day.
Books
I always travel with a few books, as I prefer physical copies to avoid EMF exposure from e-readers (and yes, I’m that millennial who still uses wired headphones). Books help me relax, and I love the feel of an actual book in my hands. Here’s what I’m currently carrying:
E-sims for life
I can’t recommend e-sims enough for travel. They allow me to keep my data plan and phone number while traveling, without the hassle of switching SIM cards. I use Airalo, and you can get a discount using code MOLLY5693. Game changer!
Find your non-negotiables
Slow mornings are my non-negotiable. They help me prepare my body and mind for the day. For others, it might be a midday nap or an evening ritual. The key is to find what grounds you and makes you feel your best while traveling.
Nutrient density
One of the best tips I can offer for feeling your best while traveling is to prioritize nutrient-dense foods, especially if you’re feeling sluggish. Low-fat, plant-based meals full of fruits and veggies help keep your digestion moving and keep you feeling energized alongside treating yourself or integrating into local cuisines. I also try to eat seasonally whenever possible, as this connects me more deeply to the places I’m exploring. My go-to snacks when I don’t have access to a kitchen are raw carrots, broccoli, and green beans with hummus.
Consistent movement
I make movement a priority no matter where I am. This doesn’t just mean walking—it could be biking, surfing, swimming, hiking, or even dancing. Movement keeps my body strong and my mind clear, and I find that when I incorporate it into my travels, I feel more connected to the places I’m exploring. My tip: find an activity you enjoy, and let it be part of your experience.
Nourish your creative
Creativity is essential for everyone’s health—not just mine. While traveling, I always find ways to engage my creative side. Whether it’s traditional things like photography, videography, music or writing or even me coming up with some creative and childlike games like drawing chalk on roads, collecting random objects for art, dancing with strangers, random acts of kindness or food fights, creativity adds fun and fulfillment to my day. Creativity nourishes the mind and spirit, and incorporating it into your travel routine can enhance your experience in unexpected ways.
Cleanliness
I like to end the night by washing off the energy of the day with a shower (in a water source or actual bathroom) or, if that’s not possible, by using face or wet wipes. I always carry Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes, Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Wipes with Aloe Extract or The Honest Company Unscented Clean Conscious Wipes for a quick refresh when needed. Organizing my surroundings also helps me feel more in control when I’m on the go.
Disconnect to reconnect
Disconnecting from technology is crucial for being present. I try to limit phone use, especially when I’m out exploring or on public transportation, and focus on engaging with the world around me. It’s refreshing to look up and see life happening in real-time instead of through a screen. When I’m on expeditions, I’m forced to disconnect, and I’ve noticed a massive improvement in my mental health as a result. Prioritize being present—it’s worth it.
Connect with loved ones
Traveling often means I’m away from the people I love, so I make a point to stay connected through calls and voice messages. I don’t get to see my close friends and family often, so I always find ways to keep them close through communication and visits. Visiting friends is also one of the main reasons I travel in places like Europe, so I will often stay with them that way. Couchsurfing or finding friends of friends to stay with also makes trips more personal.
Go with the flow
I’ve learned that life, especially when traveling, is best enjoyed by letting go of rigid plans. While I keep a general sense of direction for my travels, I avoid planning too much in advance and prefer to follow my gut in the moment. This flexibility keeps travel spontaneous and fun, allowing for magical, unplanned moments that wouldn’t happen otherwise. For me, going with the flow is essential—it lets life’s adventures unfold naturally.
Think like a local, not a traveler
I always strive to blend into the local culture wherever I go. Observing, being humble, and staying open to new experiences allows me to connect with people and places in an authentic way. It’s not about being a tourist; it’s about becoming part of the community and experiencing life as a local.
Sustainability tips
We all know how passionate I am about sustainability and always try to travel with an eco-conscious mindset. Here are a few key practices I follow:
THINK GLOBAL → TRANSITION GLOCAL → SUPPORT LOCAL
Buy local and support small businesses.
Avoid fast fashion by thrifting (it’s more fun and sustainable!).
Reduce plastic use—bring a reusable water bottle and shop at produce markets that don’t use plastic.
Eat mostly plant-based, but if you eat meat, be mindful of where it’s sourced from.
Walk, bike, or use public transport to reduce fuel consumption.
Offset your carbon emissions and aim to fly nonstop when possible.
Check out my interview with Avasol where I talk more about sustainable travel.
A few essentials products I travel with:
